A new contender in the treatment of prurigo nodularis (PN) — a chronic, intensely itchy skin condition — is showing impressive results. In a multicenter, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial presented at the EADV 2026 Congress, oturkibart, a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks both IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, delivered deep and sustained itch relief in patients whose symptoms were inadequately controlled by topical corticosteroids.

The trial enrolled 412 patients randomized to oturkibart (450 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks) or placebo. By week 52 — including an open-label extension — nearly all patients on oturkibart achieved meaningful itch relief, and over two-thirds showed significant skin clearance. Even "slow responders" who hadn't met the primary endpoint at 24 weeks largely caught up by week 52.

By the Numbers:

• 74.5% vs. 29% — patients achieving ≥4-point itch score reduction at 24 weeks (oturkibart vs. placebo)
• 95.5% — proportion reaching the primary endpoint by week 52
• 66.9% vs. 49.2% — skin clearance rates at week 52 (continuous oturkibart vs. placebo switchers)
• 1.9% — conjunctivitis rate with oturkibart, vs. 10–15% typically seen with dupilumab

Why it matters: If approved, oturkibart would become only the second anti-IL-4 receptor monoclonal antibody for PN, joining dupilumab (Dupixent). Its notably lower conjunctivitis rate could make it a compelling alternative, though head-to-head trials are still needed to draw firm conclusions.